The university said more than two-dozen academic programs will be eliminated. There are a few pre-professional majors and graduate certificates on the list but the majority are minors. Another 17 programs were given a year's notice to show improved enrollment numbers and increased value or face elimination.

Western Illinois University is preparing to argue against Governor Bruce Rauner's proposed cuts to the school’s budget. Rauner wants to slash state aid to Western by 31%, or $16.5 million from the school's $52.6 million state appropriation. That would take Western back to funding levels not seen since 1985.